GHK-Cu: A Research Overview of the Copper Peptide
By Dr Peptide ·
GHK-Cu, often called the copper peptide, is one of the smallest peptides studied by researchers and one of the best known outside the laboratory, because it also appears in cosmetic skincare formulations. This overview summarises published background on the compound. It does not describe any effect of our products, which are supplied for laboratory research use only.
What is GHK-Cu?
GHK is a tripeptide, a chain of just three amino acids: glycine, histidine and lysine (glycyl-L-histidyl-L-lysine). It binds copper(II) ions strongly, and the copper complex is known as GHK-Cu.
How was it discovered?
GHK was first identified in human blood plasma in 1973 by the researcher Loren Pickart. Later published work has reported that plasma levels of GHK are lower in older adults than in younger ones.
What has research looked at?
GHK-Cu has been studied mainly in laboratory and animal settings, including:
- cell culture studies of skin cells such as fibroblasts
- animal wound models
- studies of copper transport and binding
- gene expression analyses
Results from cell and animal studies do not show that a compound is safe or effective when used in people.
GHK-Cu in cosmetics
Copper peptides are used as ingredients in some topical cosmetic products. Cosmetic products are regulated differently from medicines and from research chemicals. Research-grade GHK-Cu is not a cosmetic product and is not for personal use.
Research products we stock
- GHK-Cu 50mg Research Peptide (lyophilised vial)
- Glow Blend 70mg (GHK-Cu + BPC-157 + TB-500)
- Alluvi Glow GHK-Cu, BPC-157 & TB-500 70mg pre-filled pen
The vial products are freeze-dried. If you are new to that format, start with lyophilised peptides explained. For the other compounds in the Glow products, read our BPC-157 and TB-500 research overview.
Documentation
See what testing documentation we hold on our certificates of analysis page, and learn how to read one in what a certificate of analysis tells you.
Research use only. Dr Peptide products are not medicines and are not for human or veterinary use. See our research use disclaimer.
Frequently asked questions
What does the Cu in GHK-Cu mean?
Cu is the chemical symbol for copper. GHK-Cu is the GHK tripeptide bound to a copper(II) ion.
Why is GHK-Cu blue?
Copper(II) complexes are typically blue. That is why GHK-Cu powders and solutions often have a blue tint.
Is research GHK-Cu the same as copper peptide skincare?
No. Cosmetic products are formulated and regulated as cosmetics. Research-grade GHK-Cu is a laboratory chemical and is not for personal or cosmetic use.
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